Please sign in so that we can notify you about a reply
Indications/Uses
For the short-term treatment of constipation or conditions where regular bowel movement is needed especially in bedridden patients.
As bowel cleansing agent before surgery or other radiological procedures.
As bowel cleansing agent before surgery or other radiological procedures.
Dosage/Direction for Use
Treatment of Constipation: See table.
As with all laxatives, bisacodyl tablets should be taken for constipation on as needed basis and should not be taken everyday for more than five days. If constipation persists, consult your doctor to find out the cause of constipation.
As Preparation for Surgical or Radiological Procedures: On the night before the procedure: Orally, 10 to 20 mg (2 to 4 tablets) depending on the procedure to be done. Or, as prescribed by a doctor.
Missed Dose: If the patient missed a dose, just take the next dose and the subsequent doses at the usual recommended schedule, i.e., once a day, usually at bedtime.
Do not double the dose unless recommended by a doctor
Administration: Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew.
Do not take within one hour of intake of antacids, milk or proton pump inhibitors (medicines which block the release of stomach acid).
As Preparation for Surgical or Radiological Procedures: On the night before the procedure: Orally, 10 to 20 mg (2 to 4 tablets) depending on the procedure to be done. Or, as prescribed by a doctor.
Missed Dose: If the patient missed a dose, just take the next dose and the subsequent doses at the usual recommended schedule, i.e., once a day, usually at bedtime.
Do not double the dose unless recommended by a doctor
Administration: Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew.
Do not take within one hour of intake of antacids, milk or proton pump inhibitors (medicines which block the release of stomach acid).
Overdosage
Sign/Symptoms: If high doses are taken, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and clinically significant loss of fluid, potassium and other electrolytes can occur.
Laxatives when taken in chronic overdosage may cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypokalemia (low potassium level in the blood), secondary hyperaldosteronism (overproduction of aldosterone) and renal stones. Kidney damage, metabolic alkalosis (increase of bicarbonate in the blood) and muscle weakness secondary to hypokalemia have also been described in association with chronic laxative abuse.
What to do when the patient has taken more than the recommended dosage: Within a short period of time after taking bisacodyl, absorption can be minimized or prevented by inducing vomiting or gastric lavage. Replacement of fluids and correction of electrolyte imbalance may be required, particularly in the elderly and the young.
Administration of antispasmodics may also be considered.
Laxatives when taken in chronic overdosage may cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypokalemia (low potassium level in the blood), secondary hyperaldosteronism (overproduction of aldosterone) and renal stones. Kidney damage, metabolic alkalosis (increase of bicarbonate in the blood) and muscle weakness secondary to hypokalemia have also been described in association with chronic laxative abuse.
What to do when the patient has taken more than the recommended dosage: Within a short period of time after taking bisacodyl, absorption can be minimized or prevented by inducing vomiting or gastric lavage. Replacement of fluids and correction of electrolyte imbalance may be required, particularly in the elderly and the young.
Administration of antispasmodics may also be considered.
Administration
Should be taken on an empty stomach: Swallow whole, do not chew/crush. Do not take w/in 1 hr of antacids, milk or other dairy products.
Contraindications
If the patient is allergic to bisacodyl or any ingredient in the product.
If the patient have severe dehydration; a bowel condition called "ileus" (blockage in the intestine); a serious abdominal condition such as appendicitis; have severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting; a blocked bowel (intestinal obstruction); inflammation of the bowel (small or large intestine).
If the patient have severe dehydration; a bowel condition called "ileus" (blockage in the intestine); a serious abdominal condition such as appendicitis; have severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting; a blocked bowel (intestinal obstruction); inflammation of the bowel (small or large intestine).
Special Precautions
Prolonged excessive use may lead to fluid and electrolyte loss and hypokalemia (low potassium level in the blood).
Some people may feel dizzy or faint while taking this medicine. If this happens, wait until these feelings go away before driving or using machines.
Do not take more than the recommended dose.
When should the patient consult a doctor: If any undesirable effects occur.
If sudden changes in bowel habits persist for more than two weeks.
If no effect is seen on bowel movement after 1 week of use.
If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some people may feel dizzy or faint while taking this medicine. If this happens, wait until these feelings go away before driving or using machines.
Do not take more than the recommended dose.
When should the patient consult a doctor: If any undesirable effects occur.
If sudden changes in bowel habits persist for more than two weeks.
If no effect is seen on bowel movement after 1 week of use.
If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.
Adverse Reactions
Like all medicines, bisacodyl can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may occur with bisacodyl: Body as a Whole: Severe allergic reactions which may cause swelling of the face or throat and difficulty in breathing or dizziness; allergic reactions which may cause a skin rash; fainting; discomfort inside and around the back passage.
Metabolism and Nutrition: Dehydration.
Gastrointestinal: Colitis (inflammation of the large intestine which causes abdominal pain and diarrhea); dehydration; blood in the stools; vomiting; abdominal discomfort; abdominal cramps or pain; diarrhea; nausea; anorectal discomfort.
Nervous: Dizziness.
Cardiovascular: Syncope.
Metabolism and Nutrition: Dehydration.
Gastrointestinal: Colitis (inflammation of the large intestine which causes abdominal pain and diarrhea); dehydration; blood in the stools; vomiting; abdominal discomfort; abdominal cramps or pain; diarrhea; nausea; anorectal discomfort.
Nervous: Dizziness.
Cardiovascular: Syncope.
Drug Interactions
Bisacodyl should not be taken together with products which reduce the acidity of the stomach, such as milk, antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate) or proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole), since these medicines may reduce the tablet's coating resistance and may result to dyspepsia and gastric irritation.
Taking corticosteroids (prednisone, prednisolone, etc.) and diuretics (e.g., furosemide, mannitol) may increase the risk of electrolyte loss.
Taking corticosteroids (prednisone, prednisolone, etc.) and diuretics (e.g., furosemide, mannitol) may increase the risk of electrolyte loss.
Storage
Store at temperatures not exceeding 30°C.
Action
Pharmacology Category: Laxative.
Pharmacology: This product contains bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative which works by acting on the lining of the bowel (large intestine) to stimulate movement. This movement produces soft formed stools.
Bisacodyl produces its effect 6 to 12 hours after administration.
Pharmacology: This product contains bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative which works by acting on the lining of the bowel (large intestine) to stimulate movement. This movement produces soft formed stools.
Bisacodyl produces its effect 6 to 12 hours after administration.
MedsGo Class
Laxatives, Purgatives
Features
Brand
RiteMed
Full Details
Dosage Strength
5mg
Drug Ingredients
- Bisacodyl
Drug Packaging
Delayed-Release Tablet 100's
Generic Name
Bisacodyl
Dosage Form
Delayed-Release Tablet
Registration Number
DRP-6328
Drug Classification
Over-The-Counter (OTC)